Leaked: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 details

Fans on the Camaro5 message board have unveiled details about the high-performance 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. It is powered by a LSA supercharged 6.2-liter V8 that will produce 580 hp and 556 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. It is linked to a Tremec six-speed manual transmission as standard. The company offers a Hydra-Matic six-speed automatic as an option.

The Camaro ZL1’s length and width are the same as the present Shelby Mustang GT500. It has a weight of 4,120 pounds. The ZL1 features an aluminum hood with carbon-fiber "Mohawk" insert, which has to be handled properly.

Its lighting package is unique and will feature dual fog lamps, separate daytime running lights and HID headlights with halo rings. Lift is reduced with the use of a lower splitter. Meanwhile, the larger and lower front grille opening offer more cooling power. In addition, the Camaro ZL1 sits lower than the Camaro SS, so buyers will have to be careful around high curbs.

For wheel packages, there’s the ZL1, which offers two 20-inch options, a 10-spoke and a five-spoke wheel. These two measure 10 inches wide in front and 11 inches in back. The five-spoke set features a polished face with a high-gloss clearcoat.

To avoid damage on the curbs, GM is urging for the use of Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar G2 tires that have some rubber overhanging the rim. Meanwhile, the ZL1 will feature a head-up display. It also gets shift lights and a lateral g meter. Buyers of cars with automatic transmissions may opt for a gear indicator.

Chevrolet marketing vice president Rick Scheidt says that the Camaro ZL1 has high tech performance and awe-inspiring design that has never been seen in the segment. Scheidt adds that this is the most advanced Camaro ever, which makes it deserving of a name that fits its exclusive and elite status.

The name ZL1 comes from the ZL1 all-aluminum racing engine that was developed in the latter part of the 1960s. It was the engine that powered the 69 regular-production 1969 Camaro. Because of the limited number of cars that had the engine, it soon achieved mythical status among Camaro enthusiasts.

2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 makes the car better performing, making a big leap forward for the model. The main goal was to create something new: a Camaro that was able to perform superiorly on the top race tracks of the world as well as have great driving experience on the road. Engineers and designers have improved on several Camaro systems and added in new technologies such as the Magnetic Ride Control and the electric power steering.

The Camaro ZL1 has a design that hints at its superior performance. Instead of using decorative features, the new Camaro puts its design focus on the car’s better capabilities.

Vice president for global design Ed Welburn says that everything about the car’s design is related directly to its performance, aerodynamics, and technology. He adds that their designers’ aim was to have a function oriented styling along with sculpted forms. These create a powerful and imposing form where function becomes the design.